Worcestershire’s Rhodes under investigation following Hepburn rape charge

(Picture: Getty Images)

By Jonny Leighfield

Worcestershire director of cricket Steve Rhodes is under investigation after failing to report player Alex Hepburn’s arrest to the club within a reasonable time frame.

Hepburn, 21, was arrested on suspicion of rape on April 1 and it is alleged he then approached Rhodes for assistance with the matter.

Rhodes agreed not to pass on details of the allegation to the club’s board and, while the investigation continued, Hepburn was selected for the Rapids’ T20 team and signed a one-year contract extension with the club.

Hepburn is suspended on full pay and will appear in court on December 7.

News that Hepburn had subsequently been charged resulted in the matter coming to the attention of the club and the ECB. It is understood they were told on November 9 and 10.

The club say that the Rhodes is “under investigation but not suspended” and the disciplinary matter involving the 53-year-old “relates solely to his role as director of cricket.”

Rhodes, who had been appointed to coach the England U19 team at the World Cup in the new year, has also been relieved of those duties and replaced by Gloucestershire’s Richard Dawson.

Former wicketkeeper Rhodes been in charge of Worcestershire since 2006 after playing for the county from 1985 to 2004.